The Impact of Fireworks

Lake Winnipesaukee Assoc · 07-10-2024, 05:01 PM

Last week, LWA staff were out on the lake in search of firework debris from 4th of July celebrations. Fireworks can have a significant negative impact on our environment. Perchlorate, which naturally occurs in small amounts and is used to propel fireworks, can threaten human health at sufficient doses. 🎆

In addition to chemical pollutants, fireworks leave behind microplastics and plastic debris. These plastic shards can be mistaken for food by fish and wildlife, leading to ingestion and harm. Microplastics can accumulate in the food chain, posing long-term health risks to both animals and humans. Check out the photos below to see a sample of what was collected from Center Harbor Bay.

Learn more about the impacts of fireworks on our lakes by reading Saturday’s article in the Laconia Daily Sun.

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/comm...0b274b2ed.html

rick35 · 07-10-2024, 05:15 PM

Maybe the people who put on the drone show at Sunapee could come to Winnipesaukee next year. One of the golden buzzer acts on AGT was a drone show. Amazing what can be done. And no pollution.

HomeWood · 07-11-2024, 06:14 AM

I hate everything about fireworks.

fatlazyless · 07-11-2024, 06:29 AM

Canada geese have a distinct dislike for fireworks unless it's accompanied by the Canada National Anthem, "O Canada!"

JayR · 07-11-2024, 08:48 AM

They don't do a great job educating people who buy them. It seems like the industry (and a segment of the population, eh?) is just "YAHOO Y'ALL FIREWORKS" when there is so much more to it.

-Set up an area to shoot them that won't result in things going into the water.
-Much of the packaging can be removed first, especially the plastics that end up in the food chain as in the article.
-Have annual, organized, scheduled events, so people who do not want them can choose to attend or not, and can secure their pet if needed. Don't just blow $H!T up at 1 a.m. (or ever) with your drunken buddies.
-When used properly there should be no long-term impact to the water or anywhere else.

I do all of the above. And as usual, those who don't care about anything outside their own desires help make it harder for those who do.

Respectfully -

retired · 07-11-2024, 09:46 AM

After the Old Home Day fireworks in Belmont, Scout Troop 65 walks Bryant Field the next morning to pick up all the remnants. That can't be done when they are set off over water. Maybe fireworks should only be set off over land.

07-10-2024, 05:01 PM	#1
Lake Winnipesaukee Assoc Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Gilford Posts: 104 Thanks: 25 Thanked 163 Times in 52 Posts	The Impact of Fireworks Last week, LWA staff were out on the lake in search of firework debris from 4th of July celebrations. Fireworks can have a significant negative impact on our environment. Perchlorate, which naturally occurs in small amounts and is used to propel fireworks, can threaten human health at sufficient doses. 🎆 In addition to chemical pollutants, fireworks leave behind microplastics and plastic debris. These plastic shards can be mistaken for food by fish and wildlife, leading to ingestion and harm. Microplastics can accumulate in the food chain, posing long-term health risks to both animals and humans. Check out the photos below to see a sample of what was collected from Center Harbor Bay. Learn more about the impacts of fireworks on our lakes by reading Saturday’s article in the Laconia Daily Sun. https://www.laconiadailysun.com/comm...0b274b2ed.html Attached Images __________________ The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of Lake Winnipesaukee and its watershed. Through monitoring, education, stewardship, and science guided approaches for lake management, LWA works to ensure Winnipesaukee’s scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational potential continues to provide enjoyment long into the future. http://www.winnipesaukee.org/

07-11-2024, 06:29 AM	#4
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,636 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 297 Thanked 983 Times in 717 Posts	Canada geese have a distinct dislike for fireworks unless it's accompanied by the Canada National Anthem, "O Canada!" __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

07-11-2024, 08:48 AM	#5
JayR Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Westwood, MA and sometimes Gilford, NH Posts: 44 Thanks: 19 Thanked 12 Times in 9 Posts	They don't do a great job educating people who buy them. It seems like the industry (and a segment of the population, eh?) is just "YAHOO Y'ALL FIREWORKS" when there is so much more to it. -Set up an area to shoot them that won't result in things going into the water. -Much of the packaging can be removed first, especially the plastics that end up in the food chain as in the article. -Have annual, organized, scheduled events, so people who do not want them can choose to attend or not, and can secure their pet if needed. Don't just blow $H!T up at 1 a.m. (or ever) with your drunken buddies. -When used properly there should be no long-term impact to the water or anywhere else. I do all of the above. And as usual, those who don't care about anything outside their own desires help make it harder for those who do. Respectfully - __________________ Jay R. (Westwood, MA) "Faithfully losing the ice-out contest since 1975"

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07-10-2024, 05:15 PM	#2
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 786 Thanks: 58 Thanked 196 Times in 124 Posts	Maybe the people who put on the drone show at Sunapee could come to Winnipesaukee next year. One of the golden buzzer acts on AGT was a drone show. Amazing what can be done. And no pollution.

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07-11-2024, 06:14 AM	#3
HomeWood Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Clayton,NC / Sanbornton,NH Posts: 611 Thanks: 126 Thanked 137 Times in 75 Posts	I hate everything about fireworks.

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07-11-2024, 09:46 AM	#6
retired Senior Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Belmont, NH Posts: 83 Thanks: 0 Thanked 47 Times in 23 Posts	After the Old Home Day fireworks in Belmont, Scout Troop 65 walks Bryant Field the next morning to pick up all the remnants. That can't be done when they are set off over water. Maybe fireworks should only be set off over land.

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